How to Travel the U.S. on a Student Budget ✈️

In partnership with

Hey there!

One of the best things about being a student in the U.S. is having the chance to explore it. Whether it’s a weekend trip to a nearby city or a cross-country adventure over break, there’s so much to see - majestic national parks, big cities, beach towns, snowy mountains.

In this email, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know to travel affordably and confidently as an international student.

Trains, Buses, and Flights - What Works Best?

Amtrak trains are a great way to travel long-distance while enjoying beautiful views (and free Wi-Fi). If you're between 17–24, you can get a 15% discount on most routes. Popular rides like the California Zephyr or Northeast Regional are scenic, relaxed, and connect tons of cities.

If you’re looking to save more, buses like Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus are your best bet. Tickets can be as low as $5 if you book early—and you’ll still get amenities like Wi-Fi and real-time tracking.

For longer distances, domestic flights are your fastest option. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices and look for deals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Also, check out our travel partner, StudentUniverse, which offers discounted airfare for international students!

Where to Stay (Without Going Broke)

Finding budget-friendly accommodations in the U.S. is totally doable with the right tools. Sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com often offer student discounts through platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans. For cheaper stays, hostels listed on Hostelworld can cost as little as $20/night in major cities. If you’re traveling with friends, options like Airbnb or even renting university dorm rooms during breaks can help save money. 

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When to Travel for the Best Deals

If you’re trying to save on flights and hotels, timing matters. The cheapest months for U.S. travel are January and September, while October and February are great for international trips. Avoid peak periods like the December holidays, Spring Break, and summer, when prices and crowds surge. Traveling during off-peak seasons means better deals, smaller crowds, and more flexibility for your student budget.

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Smart Travel Tips for International Students

Traveling in the U.S. takes a bit of planning, especially on a student budget. Pack light to avoid extra baggage fees, and bring essentials like a reusable water bottle and your student ID for discounts. Always keep your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 with you - especially if you're flying or crossing borders. If you're traveling solo, share your itinerary with a friend and try to stick to daytime travel. Budgeting apps like Splitwise can help you manage expenses and avoid overspending on the go.

Meet Roam Connect - Connect with Students From Your University, City or Major

Over the past year, we’ve grown into one of the largest international student communities on Instagram. But our goal has always been bigger than content - we want to help you build real connections.

That’s why we created Roam Connect: a tool that helps students, parents, and alumni find others from the same university, city, or major. Whether you’re looking for a future roommate, a friend who’s also landing in New York, or someone to chat with before orientation, Roam Connect makes it easy. You can connect with one another via your favorite apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and LinkedIn.

In conclusion, we hope this guide helps you travel smarter, safer, and on budget. The U.S. is full of experiences and we hope we can support you in having more.

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡